If Rolando McClain Wins the Mike LB Job

[Idgit]

Up to this point yeah, Durant has had a fine camp. But in my view you put the 3 best LBers out there in positions that most fit those skills.

And if McClain is one of the 3 best, then he goes out there. It's not like Durant hasn't been a better than OK OLB in the NFL. I'm sure he could slide there for the Cowboys and have a decent season.

Biggest dogs eat first. If he's claiming the MLB spot and nobody can beat him, IMHO, he should start there and the other guys can fight for what's left.

I know that's not what's going to happen. But it's the way I'd do it if I were the coach. I don't like saying "you were my best LB in camp. We're moving you because the guys behind you can't play the other positions as well as you can."

 

[xwalker]

McClain played in nickel sets last night.

Good. I would expect him to do it in the preseason. He showed the ability to do it in Oakland, but he would wear down in games. He's a big guy to be running all over the field on 100% of the defensive snaps. He does look like he lost weight from when he last played in Oakland which should help.

I was expecting Holloman to be 1 of the 2 LBs in the Nickel during the season, but it's sounds like he has a significant injury. I'm more concerned about who plays those 2 spots than who plays the 3 LB spots in the base.

 

[jterrell]

The best 3 LB should play.
That almost has to include McClain and Durant who appear well ahead of the other contenders.
Wilber shows up in pass rush but I can't say I've noticed him make a play in the base defense where he wasn't rushing. He is pretty clearly a 3-4 OLB.

Carter is not at all bad in the middle of the field but he really struggles in the flats. Designing schemes where he is protected inc overage will be a huge key to the LB mix.

McClain has no leverage. We aren't good enough for him to have any. Our 25th best defense goes to 29th without him? So what. If he wants to earn more than minimum wage he actually needs this team far more than it needs him. The guy was born to play LB whether he realizes it or not. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the game but trust me you don't want me in their over McClain, LOL. It boils down to ability to at some point.

I'd get Hitchens a series each half all year for experience.
The team needs him to develop badly and become a cap bargain for a few seasons.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

You guys act like JJ wants him in there just because. We ALL want him in there because he is a 25 year old top 10 pick with immense talent.

But hey guys don't let the facts get in the way of a good Jerry insult....know what i'm saying?

 

[Zordon]

The best 3 LB should play.
That almost has to include McClain and Durant who appear well ahead of the other contenders.
Wilber shows up in pass rush but I can't say I've noticed him make a play in the base defense where he wasn't rushing. He is pretty clearly a 3-4 OLB.

Carter is not at all bad in the middle of the field but he really struggles in the flats. Designing schemes where he is protected inc overage will be a huge key to the LB mix.

McClain has no leverage. We aren't good enough for him to have any. Our 25th best defense goes to 29th without him? So what. If he wants to earn more than minimum wage he actually needs this team far more than it needs him. The guy was born to play LB whether he realizes it or not. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the game but trust me you don't want me in their over McClain, LOL. It boils down to ability to at some point.

I'd get Hitchens a series each half all year for experience.
The team needs him to develop badly and become a cap bargain for a few seasons.

Regardless if Hitchens develops, it's becoming evident that we'll be targeting a LB high in the draft next year and possible one in FA. There is just way too much uncertainty in that group right now with Holloman/Lee's injury issues, McClain's mental state, and Carter's disappointment. They are not going to pay Carter. I think he's been quietly in the doghouse for a few years now.

 

[Kaiser]

I think Durant moves to the Will over Carter. Holloman is a huge disapointment, he showed something at the end of last season and could have been an excellent Nickel LB this year with continued improvement. I think the real issue is what you do with Carter if he isn't starting.

 

[Frosty]

Anybody else uncomfortable with taking Durant-who by all accounts is outplaying the competition at MLB and moving him? If keep him where he's playing best and make the guys who can't beat him out move, or sit.

I am more concerned about Durant's durability....can he stay healthy and play for 14 of 16 games....?

 

[jterrell]

Regardless if Hitchens develops, it's becoming evident that we'll be targeting a LB high in the draft next year and possible one in FA. There is just way too much uncertainty in that group right now with Holloman/Lee's injury issues, McClain's mental state, and Carter's disappointment. They are not going to pay Carter. I think he's been quietly in the doghouse for a few years now.

I don't think there is any doubt LB will on our short list next year but sadly it can be really hard to find LB value high in the draft.
Of all positions it is probably the hardest to play going from college to pros because level of play means so much. --harder to beat blocks, harder to read plays, harder to bring down ball carriers, harder to cover.

There is a reason they were so mad Shazier(who doesn't seem a normal Pitt LB) came off the board.

 

[big dog cowboy]

They're said several times, including last night, that Durant would go to the SAM.

The best three right now is WLB Carter--MLB McCLain--SLB Durant

In the nickel I think it will wind up being McClain and Durant with Wilbur seeing rotation at WDE

Exactamundo. I also heard the Durant to SAM last night also and can easily see your post being spot on.

 

[CCBoy]

Good eyes, guys...I am thinking that much of a Dallas success rests on the shoulders of Rolando McClain, right now. The window opens up into next season, then...with the return of Sean Lee. I like what Durant is now contributing, and hope that remains once the season starts for real.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Regardless if Hitchens develops, it's becoming evident that we'll be targeting a LB high in the draft next year and possible one in FA. There is just way too much uncertainty in that group right now with Holloman/Lee's injury issues, McClain's mental state, and Carter's disappointment. They are not going to pay Carter. I think he's been quietly in the doghouse for a few years now.

I would agree. LB and DE are huge needs.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I would agree. LB and DE are huge needs.

At this point all I want is front 7, 1 safety and 1 CB next draft.

 

[Bullflop]

He's got 3 weeks between now and the SF game... I would think he could make some very big strides as far as conditioning by then.

You bet -- that;s where my main bastion of hope lies. Obviously, it takes due time for proper conditioning to come -- it can't be rushed. If it's in the cards, tho, it'll be great if he reaches his required state of readiness by the time San Fran comes calling. I think there's a good chance he will.

 

[noshame]

I really don't care who and where, just get them in place and let them jell.

 

[Zordon]

I don't think there is any doubt LB will on our short list next year but sadly it can be really hard to find LB value high in the draft.
Of all positions it is probably the hardest to play going from college to pros because level of play means so much. --harder to beat blocks, harder to read plays, harder to bring down ball carriers, harder to cover.

There is a reason they were so mad Shazier(who doesn't seem a normal Pitt LB) came off the board.

Shazier was great yesterday. 11 tackles and a pick. He was all over the field. I know it's hindsight and unrealistic but this team would be in so much better shape with Shazier, Wagner, and Brockers. Especially when you consider Scandrick's emergence and quality guards being available in the 2nd/3rd rounds. I just think the Claiborne trade has setback this team significantly, and Street/T-Will/Escobar was excessive for the offense. Is there that much drop off from Street to Byrd or Newsome? Resources should have been allocated better.

 

[Alexander]

Bingo. We've pretty much already decided that he's going to be in there. It's just a matter of getting him in shape.

But Gawd I hate counting on this guy. We're pretty much putting him in a leadership position where he has all the leverage. Not good IMO.

It bothers me a little that they used Durant as a placeholder and he has excelled, buty now they are just moving him to accommodate the organizational pet project.

Even the interview with him last night they threw McClain in his face. Pretty disrespectful.

 

[Alexander]

Anybody else uncomfortable with taking Durant-who by all accounts is outplaying the competition at MLB and moving him? If keep him where he's playing best and make the guys who can't beat him out move, or sit.

That is how I view it. If he is playing well at Mike and has been excelling, why move him? Make McClain earn his spot like everyone else.

Honestly, I think my starting MLB needs to be in place by the dress rehearsal game.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It bothers me a little that they used Durant as a placeholder and he has excelled, buty now they are just moving him to accommodate the organizational pet project.

Or Durant can play outside better than McClain?

 

[Bluestang]

It bothers me a little that they used Durant as a placeholder and he has excelled, buty now they are just moving him to accommodate the organizational pet project.

Even the interview with him last night they threw McClain in his face. Pretty disrespectful.

Well it all started with Sean Lee going down, he if he doesn't get hurt they don't go out and get McClain.

Durant was never going to be the Mike, but the Lee injury forced them to find a replacement within.

The conclusion from OTAs was that needed to see more options, and that's why McClain was sought after.

 

[Bluestang]

Something else to think about...

Is the best 3 LBs on the field:

Durant, McClain, Wilber

or

Durant, Carter, Wilber,

or

Durant, McClain, Carter?